Rody: No corruption

President Duterte has reiterated his warning to government officials against engaging in corrupt practices as he explained why he dismissed a member of his Cabinet.

“You just give me a whiff and you’re out,” said Duterte, referring to allegations of corruption.

“When I deal with the people of government, I draw the line. You either go or I go but we cannot stay together. I have said there will be no corruption in my government,” he said.

Duterte spoke before a gathering at the Metro Manila Development Authority in Makati City, a day after firing Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mike Sueno.

The Chief Executive cited loss of trust and confidence following allegations of corruption and abuses heaped against Sueno.

Duterte explained that he lost his temper during the Cabinet meeting last Monday when Sueno feigned ignorance about his own office’s legal opinion on the alleged anomalous fire truck deal from Austria.

Duterte was displeased with Sueno’s explanation “because it was really a plain lie.”

“If you answer me with that kind of statement that you never read the legal opinion of the legal officer of your own office, it’s either you’re taking me for a stupid, an idiot, or you are lying through your teeth,” Duterte said. “So I said, ‘You’re fired.’ I just simply said, “You’re fired.” Duterte added.

Sueno has denied the corruption allegations hurled against him.

Meanwhile, Malacañang has designated Undersecretary Catalino Cuy as officer-in-charge of the DILG pending the appointment of a new secretary.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said Cuy’s designation to temporarily lead the DILG took effect immediately following the dismissal of Sueno.

“Usec Cuy will hold the position to ensure the continuous and effective delivery of services of the Department until the President appoints a new Secretary,” Abella said. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)